Rutabaga partners with local community centers to help kids get out on the water and experience Madison's lakes. This work is made possible thanks to the Josh Kestelman Scholarship Fund.

Last year Rutabaga's Josh Kestelman Scholarship Fund helped over 180 kids spend more than 1,500 hours on the water. It provided over $4,000 to fund paddling programs for youth groups and individuals.

At Canoecopia, you can help support this program by donating $1 at the cash register when you check out with your purchases. Additional donations are very welcome.

Turning kids on to canoeing and kayaking was one of Josh Kestelman’s passions. Josh served as a Rutabaga Outdoor Programs instructor for many years until his life was tragically cut short by cancer. His enthusiasm for paddling and for life was clear to everyone he touched.

In 2004, to honor Josh and his love of getting kids outside, Rutabaga established the Josh Kestelman Scholarship Fund to provide for individuals who wanted to participate in our programs and needed financial assistance. By 2005 the fund had grown to a point where we could expand our focus, and we began to offer scholarships to youth agencies and community centers that work with under-served youth. Through these paddling programs, many more kids get the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, which would have been pleasing to Josh.

Today we continue with this important work. Rutabaga contributes and raises funds to support this program, and additionally, many paddlers have been generous with their private contributions—a BIG thanks to those of you who have helped make this possible.

For further information or a scholarship application please contact Amelia at 1-800-472-3353, ext. 226 or . Or stop by the Rutabaga Outdoor Programs booth at the show!